Sharp increase in mine casualties

Landmine Monitor 2016 releases today

Every day an average of 18 people were killed or injured by mines or explosive remnants of war in 2015, marking a 75% increase from casualties recorded in 2014, according to Landmine Monitor 2016 released today.

The increase in casualties is yet another distressing reminder that landmines continue to cause significant harm to people around the world. The total number of survivors continue to increase.

While casualties have increased for the past two consecutive years, it is alarming to see that funding for mine action has been decreasing. The 2016 report shows a significant decline of $77 million in international support for mine action. Last year was the third year in a row of declining support and lowest level since 2005.

The report focuses on calendar year 2015, with information included up to November 2016 in some cases. It provides updates on Mine Ban Treaty status, landmine use, mine clearance, casualties and victim assistance. The report, press release and other materials can be downloaded from the Monitor website.

Landmine Monitor 2016 is released in advance of the Mine Ban Treaty’s 15th Meeting of States Parties (15MSP) taking place as of 28 November 2016 in Santiago, Chile. The 15MSP will assess progress on treaty implementation and will focus on achieving the goal of full implementation by 2025. The aspirational deadline of 2025 was embraced by States Parties in 2014.